This hike begins in Temescal Canyon Park, which is a City of LA...um...park, and it closes at dusk, so this hike will end well before that. There is also a $7 fee to park inside the...um...park. Smart shoppers will find a free parking space along northbound Sunset Blvd just outside the park entrance, though if you are lucky, you may also find a southbound spot or a space on Temescal Canyon Road, just south of Sunset.

If you are driving through the Santa Monica mountains to get to this hike, do NOT take Topanga Canyon Road because the local Topanga Days Festival will be going on, and your progress will be impeded due to all the mayhem associated with the festivities.

The hike itself takes place on a well-traveled single-track trail and is well-shaded throughout most, but not all of the hike. We will go counter-clockwise up to a (currently dry) waterfall where we will cross a bridge over the waterless, but otherwise raging torrential rapids. Almost all of the 900' elevation gain takes place during this first half, and is a steady climb the entire distance. Arriving at a junction, we will take the left-hand turn to the Ridge Trail that will loop us back down to the start. On this second half of the hike we will have some nice glimpses of LA, Pacific Palisades and the Santa Monica beach expanse with the actually pacific Pacific.

Known Dangers: There is a LOT of poison oak on the first half of this hike, some of it right up to the immediate edge of the trail. Thus, it is imperative that you stay ON the trail. Long pants may be advisable. Also on this first half there are several sections with very loose stones, raising the possibility of slipping and falling. Fortunately, we will be going up on this section, not down when it is easier to fall. Our descent on the second half of the hike does not have any of these loose stones. :-) Finally, rattlesnakes are possible, but highly unlikely, given the amount of foot traffic on this trail.

I took the pics below just today (May 19).

Disclaimer / Release of Liability:You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience. This applies to any guests you may invite.

Very near the start of the hike

Not quite to the half-way point.

Breaking into the open sky we see LA

Santa Monica Beach during the return trip.

After the hike, we'll go here for a catered dinner with drinks on the veranda.